Counterfeit U.S. money warning issued in Moncton

Merchants urged to be on the lookout for suspicious $20 bills after 2 men charged

Codiac RCMP are advising Moncton-area businesses to check any $20 U.S. bills to ensure they are authentic.

The warning comes after two Saint John men were charged with possession of counterfeit money and uttering counterfeit money.

The men are accused of trying to make purchases at Champlain Place in Moncton with counterfeit money, said RCMP Const. Damien Thériault.

On July 3, shortly after 7 p.m., mall security told police two men appeared to be trying to pass counterfeit currency by going from store to store attempting to make change by making small purchases, he said in a statement.

The suspects were quickly apprehended and found to be in possession of a substantial quantity of counterfeit $20 U.S. bills and merchandise purchased from several businesses, said Thériault.

A 19-year-old and 22-year-old appeared in Moncton provincial court on Thursday.

They have both been remanded in custody until July 8 when a bail hearing will be held.

The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, local businesses are urged to immediately report any suspicious bills to police, said Thériault.

Financial institutions can verify authenticity of any questionable bills, he said.